2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

5 recalls and 618 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

5
recalls
618
owner complaints
36
complaints mentioning a crash
17
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 04V268000 · reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 438,391 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
The risk
Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 02V214000 · reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 97,779 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 02V215000 · reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 345,436 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Seats: front assembly, recliner

NHTSA campaign 02V162000 · reported June 14, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 77,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the right rear "65%" seat center lower anchor was manufactured with a wire diameter that is greater than the maximum allowable dimension as specified in the standard.
The risk
If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the right rear seat center anchor and, if necessary, resize the anchor to meet the diameter specified within the standard. Owner notification began november 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Child seat

NHTSA campaign 00V366000 · reported November 9, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 1,211,756 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The fix
Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 12, 2025 · Air bags

See attached document for complaint.

Jul 13, 2022 · Engine

The electrical system is malfunctioning the fans do not kick on at all,even after reaching temperature.Even when the "Air" condition is turned on full blast or the "Heater" it doesn't matter which one is used it still doesn't engage the "Fan".

Oct 28, 2019 · Air bags · 130,000 miles

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING..... STOPPED OR MOVING

Oct 25, 2019 · Structure · 150,000 miles · crash reported

WAS HIT IN REAR AS I WAS SLOWING AT STOP LIGHT

Sep 1, 2019 · Engine · 85 miles

CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH OVERHEATING (ALSO FOUND OUT THIS IS COMMON WITH THIS MODEL AND MAKE). THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU CAN BREAK DOWN ON ROAD WHICH CAN EITHER CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSE ROAD BLOCKAGE.

PT Cruiser model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 56183617
2002 35114034
2003 22582215
2004 12171615

Across all years, the 2001 PT Cruiser has the most complaints (618). All Chrysler PT Cruiser years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent reported on June 3, 2004 (Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners have filed 618 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (78 complaints), followed by structure (67).
How many 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints mention a crash or fire?
36 of 618 complaints report a crash and 17 a fire; 36 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 12, 2025.